Florida Bill Would Stiffen Penalties for Hurting Police Dogs

Senate Bill 96 increases the penalty for intentionally injuring or killing search-and-rescue dogs and horses employed by police and fire departments.43 Florida K-9s have died in duty over the years, according to Officers Down Memorial Page records.Currently, it's a third-degree felony to hurt or kill a police search-and-rescue or fire dog or horse. If SB 96 passes it would become a second-degree felony. That would possibly triple the prison time from a possible maximum of five to 15 years.